THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK

Their core work

SUNY's Research Foundation serves as the administrative and fiscal agent for externally sponsored research across the State University of New York system — one of the largest public university systems in the US. In H2020, their contributions span a remarkably diverse set of disciplines: quantum communication technologies, bioarchaeology and ancient DNA analysis, blue biotechnology (marine microalgae), psychiatric pharmacogenetics, and climate science. Their role is predominantly as a third-party or partner institution, providing specialized US-based expertise — particularly advanced lab capabilities and interdisciplinary research talent — to European-led consortia.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

SUNY's early H2020 work (2016–2019) centered on bioarchaeology, isotope analysis, and dairy proteomics (MilkTeeth), alongside initial engagements in quantum dynamics and cybersecurity. From 2020 onward, the focus shifted noticeably toward quantum communication (Qurope), historical genomics at large scale (HistoGenes), psychiatric pharmacogenetics (PSY-PGx, TIMESPAN), and climate science (CROSSROADS). The trajectory shows a move from niche analytical contributions toward larger, more integrative projects combining genomics, data science, and advanced physics.

SUNY is increasingly contributing to data-intensive, interdisciplinary projects in quantum communication and personalized medicine — areas likely to expand in Horizon Europe calls.

How they like to work

SUNY never coordinates H2020 projects — all 14 participations are as partner, participant, or third party (10 of 14 as third party). This reflects their role as a US-based institution contributing specialized expertise to European-led consortia rather than driving project design. With 133 unique partners across 32 countries, they operate as a broadly connected specialist brought in for specific capabilities, not as a repeat-partner hub.

Remarkably wide network for a non-European institution: 133 unique partners across 32 countries, indicating they are a sought-after transatlantic collaborator. Their connections span virtually all of Europe plus global reach, though they typically join existing consortia rather than assembling them.

What sets them apart

As a major US public university system, SUNY brings American research infrastructure and talent into European consortia — a valuable transatlantic bridge that many Horizon 2020 calls specifically encourage. Their unusual breadth across quantum physics, ancient DNA, marine biotechnology, and psychiatric genetics means they can contribute to wildly different projects, reflecting the depth of a 64-campus university system. For consortium builders, SUNY offers a credible non-EU partner with established track record in MSCA and ERC projects.

Highlights from their portfolio

• HistoGenes
  Largest funded project (EUR 1.1M to SUNY) — an ERC Synergy Grant integrating genetics, archaeology, and history across early medieval Central Europe.
• Qurope
  Positions SUNY in the strategic quantum communication field, working on photonic entanglement for quantum repeater networks.
• PSY-PGx
  Directly addresses clinical implementation of pharmacogenetics in psychiatry — high translational potential for personalized mental health treatment.